Special Counsel Jack Smith emphasized what he called the “gravity” of the crimes former President Trump has been charged with as a result of his investigation, suggesting that the alleged violations put the United States at risk.
“I invite everyone to read it in its entirety to understand the scope and the seriousness of the crimes charged,” he said after the 37-count federal indictment against Trump was unsealed on Friday.
“The men and women of the United States’ intelligence community and armed forces have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation and its laws that protect national defense information critical to the safety and security of the United States. , and they must be enforced,” Smith said. “Violation of those laws puts our country at risk.”
Smith said Trump has been charged with “felony violations of our national security laws, as well as participating in a conspiracy to obstruct justice,” Smith said in a statement from his office Friday afternoon.
He promised that the government would seek a “speedy trial” and stressed that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“It is very important for me to note that the defendants in this case must be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” Smith said. “To that end, my office will seek a speedy trial in this matter, consistent with the public interest and the rights of the accused.”
Smith further thanked the “dedicated public servants of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with whom my office is conducting this investigation and who have worked tirelessly every day to uphold the rule of law in our country.”
“I’m very proud to rub shoulders with them,” Smith said.
Smith announced his team, calling his prosecutors “among the most talented and experienced in the Department of Justice.”
The indictment was voted on by a grand jury of citizens in the Southern District of Florida.
